TOPIC: how important is AIS and can anyone recommend one

how important is AIS and can anyone recommend one
06 Jul 2018 10:08 #99665

We have a Simrad V5035 and of course being over 20 metres, it's mandatory nowadays. It's able to overlay onto PC Navigo and works quite well. If you're in the same position regarding your boat length John, then remember to choose one that is also certified for the Inland Waterways as that's also a requirement. If you're under the French community certificate, then it has to be fitted by an accredited agent who has to issue you an attestation that you've also been trained on it! If you're under 20m, then I could also recommend a Class B as in terms of safety, it's a great tool to have.

Steve

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how important is AIS and can anyone recommend one
06 Jul 2018 08:51 #99663

Coming into Strasbourg recently, I was called up on the radio by Koejac ("The Port") asking if I needed a mooring and that they had a place for me. They were presumably monitoring AIS as I was not in sight at that moment . Is cold calling going to be a feature in future?

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how important is AIS and can anyone recommend one
06 Jul 2018 07:54 #99662

I bought them the Nauticast B2 AIS class B transponder from noordersoft (pc navigo), I am very satisfied with this, the package is complete, simple installation and a supper efficient helpdesk from Noordersoft

the price of 555 € is not too much for me to see after the corner, but especially to be seen!

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how important is AIS and can anyone recommend one
06 Jul 2018 01:11 #99660

How important? Very useful to see larger vessels around corners, in locks and behind trees. Also how fast they are travelling . In open waters it can help identify vessels on a collision course ( even over the horizon) in all weathers.
Plus others can see you, so they can ask you to slow down or speed up or find you if you are in distress. We were moored in the boondocks and a maintanence guy was to visit,. He used his phone app to locate us and used a farmers road and 50 meter walk through brambles to find us.
Our Aussie friends follow our adventures by receiving texts as our AIS passes locks and bridges.
I understand there are computer programs in place monitoring AIS to determine if the vessel is used illegally. Travelling too fast, fishing in restricted areas, drug trafficking or driving for too many hours. Recently while we waited for a max size barge (3500t) to transit a lock the skipper was quizzed by the lock operator. How many on board (3) how many helm operators (1) where are you heading (Germany) that's 7 hrs (yes) where have you come from (Rotterdam) that's 4hrs (yes) and how any on the helm (one). I think there may be a change of plan or a visit.
If you recognise the world can see you with AIS there is no downside and many benefits. Maybe hire boats will have it soon as a vessel management tool.

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how important is AIS and can anyone recommend one
05 Jul 2018 22:32 #99657

I have just fitted a Simrad V5035 with a Simrad plotter which I need as over 20 metres. I crossed the channel yesterday for the first time and the French customs boarded us 5 miles out from Cherbourg as they spotted us on their AIS. All paperwork was in order and they were friendly enough and told me I was their fist "customer" in their new ship which was very smart. So be warned it will draw attention to you.

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how important is AIS and can anyone recommend one
05 Jul 2018 13:16 #99649

I think I want to get one, maybe incorporated into a chartplotter etc. Have you got an AIS, whats its make and would you recommend it or what would you recommend? I already have an ICOM DSC VHF radio with GPS.

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how important is AIS and can anyone recommend one
03 Jul 2018 21:46 #99637

Depends on the waterway.
In Belgium we found it very useful to warn us of large boats coming around corners towards us allowing us to adjust speed to pass at a good place.
Also looking ahead to see how busy a lock ahead is - are boats queuing to go thru.
Also allows checking of control's size to predict if there will be enough room in the lock for you both.

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